Vaccination, Infectious diseases, Immunology, Cancer Research
25
Scopus Publications
Scopus Publications
SOX9 and TNFAIP3 dysregulation in HCV-associated HCC after DAA therapy: insights into post-viral oncogenic memory Rehab I. Moustafa, Sally Farouk, Hassan Elsayed, Hend I. Shousha, Maha M. Elbrashy, et al. Infectious Agents and Cancer, 2026 Background Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a leading cause of chronic liver disease and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Despite the high efficacy of direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) in eradicating HCV, HCC may still develop after sustained virological response (SVR), suggesting that HCV may leave behind lasting epigenetic and immunological alterations that sustain oncogenic risk. Objectives This study aimed to investigate the expression profiles of SOX9, TNFAIP3, and FOSL2 in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and liver tissues from HCV-related HCC patients and to explore, through in silico analyses, their molecular and immunological roles in HCV-driven hepatocarcinogenesis. Methodology Gene expression was quantified in PBMCs and liver tissues using RT-qPCR. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses assessed diagnostic potential. In silico analyses evaluated protein-protein interactions, gene-gene networks, epigenetic modifications, and correlations with immune cell infiltration and immunomodulatory molecules using publicly available datasets. Results SOX9, TNFAIP3, and FOSL2 were identified as interconnected regulators within NF-κB and TGF-β pathways, enriched in inflammatory and infection-related processes, and epigenetically modulated via promoter hypermethylation and histone remodeling. Their expression strongly correlated with macrophages, T cells, dendritic cells, and key immune modulators. RT-qPCR validation confirmed overexpression of SOX9 and TNFAIP3 in PBMCs and liver tissues from HCV-HCC patients, with PBMC levels closely reflecting tissue expression, and ROC analyses highlighted their potential as non-invasive biomarkers. Conclusions SOX9 and TNFAIP3 emerge as key mediators linking persistent epigenetic alterations with immune remodeling in HCV-related HCC, and as potential non-invasive biomarkers for evaluation of HCC risk and post-DAA surveillance. Clinical trial number Not applicable.
Assessment of wound healing activity in diabetic mice treated with a novel therapeutic combination of selenium nanoparticles and platelets rich plasma Rania A. Karas, Shaimaa Alexeree, Hassan Elsayed, Yasser A. Attia Scientific Reports, 2024 Diabetic wound healing is sluggish, often ending in amputations. This study tested a novel, two-punch therapy in mice—Selenium nanoparticles (Se NPs) and platelet-rich plasma (PRP)—to boost healing. First, a mouse model of diabetes was created. Then, Se NPs were crafted for their impressive antioxidant and antimicrobial powers. PRP, packed with growth factors, was extracted from the mice's blood. Wound healing was tracked for 28 days through photos, scoring tools, and tissue analysis. Se NPs alone spurred healing, and PRP added extra fuel. Furthermore, when used in combination with PRP, the healing process was accelerated due to the higher concentration of growth factors in PRP. Notably, the combination of Se NPs and PRP exhibited a synergistic effect, significantly enhancing wound healing in diabetic mice. These findings hold promise for the treatment of diabetic wounds and have the potential to reduce the need for lower limb amputations associated with diabetic foot ulcers. The innovative combination therapy using Se NPs and PRP shows great potential in expediting the healing process and addressing the challenges of impaired wound healing in individuals with diabetes. This exciting finding suggests this therapy could change diabetic wound management, potentially saving limbs and improving lives.
Photoactivation of nano MgO anchored g-C3N4 enhances biodiesel production in Chlorella sorokiniana: A sustainable approach Amany Khalifa, Maryam Faried, Essam M. Abdelsalam, Mohamed Samer, Mohamed A. Moselhy, et al. Environmental Progress and Sustainable Energy, 2024 Investigating the potential of magnesium oxide (MgO), graphitic carbon nitride (g‐C3N4), and their composite nanoparticles as nutrient sources for enhanced microalgae biodiesel production formed the core of this study. Supplementing the growth medium with g‐C3N4 and MgO/g‐C3N4 nanoparticles significantly increased microalgae (Chlorella sorokiniana) growth and lipid accumulation, culminating in a 58 mg/L lipid concentration. Interestingly, while MgO nanoparticles alone led to the highest biodiesel yield, the synergistic effect of MgO and g‐C3N4 in the composite nanoparticles improved nutrient availability and facilitated optimal microalgae growth and lipid accumulation. These findings pave the way for further research and development of nanoparticle‐based strategies to optimize microalgae‐based biodiesel production, offering a promising avenue for a more sustainable and efficient future of biofuel generation. The results showed that the addition of 15 mg/L of MgO NPs produced the maximum biodiesel yield which reached 61.5 mg/L.
